Rear Adm. Nathan E. Jones is a native of Springfield, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1970. He then enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a seaman recruit. Following six years of reserve enlisted service as a cryptologic technician second class petty officer including a two-year tour at Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, he was commissioned an ensign public affairs officer in August 1976.

Jones' tours include: serving 100 days as acting chief of information in the summer of 2007, being recalled to active duty in February 2002 to work in the Public Affairs Office at the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. He was assigned as the public affairs officer for the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance in February 2003, headquartered in Baghdad, Iraq. In 1990 he was activated to serve as night chief of Media and public affairs watch officer in General Norman Schwarzkopf's War Room during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Commissioning committee USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) 1989; PAO for BALTOPS 1993 and 1994; commanding officer Navy Office of Information Midwest Detachment (Det) 113 Great Lakes, Illinois 1996-1998; commanding officer of U.S. Strategic Command Det 1362, 1998-to 2001; commanding officer Navy Office of Information Southeast Atlanta, Georgia, Det 108, 2001-2002; commanding officer, Navy Office of Information West Det 119, 2003-2004 and as Navy deputy chief of information until retiring in 2008.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards).

Last Updated: 18 January 2022